The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located near the ear and is a part of the jaw that allows the mouth to move while you talk and eat. Disorders of the TMJ can develop as a result of stress, injury or structural problems of your jaw and mouth and can be treated with lifestyle changes, pain relievers and dental devices such as mouth guards. According to the National Library of Medicine and the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of bilateral TMJ include pain and difficulty with movement of your jaw.
Pain
Pain in and around your jaw, especially right after you yawn, smile, chew food or open your mouth widely is a symptom of bilateral TMJ.
Sensitivity
Your teeth may become sensitive as a result of TMJ, due to an increase in the amount of force exerted when your teeth come together while chewing.
Jaw Dysfunction
As a result of bilateral TMJ, you may be unable to fully open your mouth or have a limited range of side-to-side movement of your jaw.
Orthodontic Changes
TMJ may cause teeth to shift in position, which can cause your bite to become misaligned and lead to excessive wear and potential breakage of your teeth.
Difficulty Eating
You may experience difficulty eating certain types of foods, such as fibrous vegetables or fruits that require thorough chewing, as well as tough meats and sticky foods such as taffy.
Effects
You may experience weight loss as a result of bilateral TMJ, due to an inability to chew and digest nutritious foods.
